The New York Mets’ long-standing MVP drought continues as Francisco Lindor finished second in the voting for the National League Most Valuable Player. The organization has yet to crown an MVP winner in its history, despite having several notable near-misses over the decades.
This year’s award belonged to the sensational Shohei Ohtani, who made history by becoming the first player in MLB history to achieve a 50-50 season (50 home runs and 50 stolen bases). Ohtani was a unanimous choice, securing all 30 first-place votes in the election announced on Thursday night. Lindor earned 23 second-place votes, while Ketel Marte of the Arizona Diamondbacks rounded out the top three.
Lindor’s Remarkable Season
Though Lindor fell short of the top honour, his 202
4 campaign was nothing short of stellar. The Mets’ star shortstop delivered outstanding performances on both offence and defence, proving instrumental in leading his team to the National League Championship Series (NLCS).
At the Plate: Lindor posted a career-best season, highlighted by a .312 batting average, 31 home runs, and 102 RBIs. His OPS of .897 demonstrated his ability to combine power and plate discipline effectively.
In the Field: As one of the league’s elite defenders, Lindor’s work at shortstop was crucial for the Mets, solidifying their infield defence and contributing to the team’s success.
Despite these achievements, Lindor couldn’t overcome Ohtani’s historic season.
Mets’ MVP Near Misses
Lindor’s runner-up finish marks the fourth time in Mets history that a player has come close to clinching the MVP title:
Darryl Strawberry (1988): Strawberry lost to Kirk Gibson of the Dodgers in a hotly contested race.
Keith Hernandez (1984): Hernandez finished second behind Ryne Sandberg of the Cubs.
Tom Seaver (1969): The legendary pitcher fell short to Willie McCovey in one of the most celebrated seasons in Mets history.
Despite boasting talented rosters and standout players over the years, the Mets still need a player to win this prestigious award.
Mets Bolster Depth with Joey Meneses Signing
To strengthen their roster for the upcoming season, the Mets signed versatile player Joey Meneses to a minor league deal with an invitation to Major League Spring Training, as Jon Heyman of The Post reported.
Meneses’ Background
The 32-year-old utility player spent the past three seasons with the Washington Nationals, where he showed flashes of potential.
Breakout Moment: Meneses rose to prominence in 2022 after the Nationals traded star outfielder Juan Soto, allowing Meneses to shine. He delivered solid numbers over the 2022-23 seasons, batting .288 with an OPS of .778, alongside 26 home runs across 210 games.
Setback in 2024: Meneses struggled during his 2024 campaign, posting a disappointing OPS of .593, which led to his removal from Washington’s roster and eventual free agency.
The Mets hope that Meneses, a late bloomer, can regain his form and provide value as a versatile bench player capable of filling in at first base and outfield positions.
Looking Ahead for the Mets
As the Mets continue to chase their elusive MVP title, the team appears poised for another competitive season. With Francisco Lindor leading the charge and new additions like Meneses providing depth, the Mets are building a team designed to compete at the highest level in the National League.
For Lindor, finishing second in the MVP race is both a testament to his brilliance and a reminder of the Mets’ ongoing search for a franchise-defining moment in MLB history.
